Secondary school students found guilty of serious misconduct will be barred from sitting their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams in their schools and instead be transferred to external centres, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has said.
Ogamba explained that the ministry will no longer allow learners who destroy property or engage in criminal behaviour to remain in school as usual, stressing that discipline must be upheld in learning institutions.
“School rules must be adhered to,” Ogamba said. “Parents and students must participate in disciplinary hearings, and agreements must be reached. Education cannot thrive in an environment of lawlessness.”
The CS spoke against the backdrop of rising unrest that has forced the closure of several schools and led to the destruction of property worth millions of shillings. He warned that the government will take a firm stance to restore order.
“Students involved in burning buildings or vandalism will not be allowed to remain in school as if nothing happened. If they are candidates, they will sit their exams from alternative centres. If they are in Form Two or Form Three, they will be required to learn from home,” he said.
He stressed that any disciplinary measures will follow due process to ensure fairness.
“You can expel a student, but only after disciplinary proceedings. Once it is determined that a learner has committed an offence, a disciplinary committee must hear the case and make a decision. If the committee concludes the student deserves expulsion, then that is what will happen,” he said.
Ogamba also revealed that several students arrested for burning dormitories or stealing are already in police custody.
“It is a crime. There has to be discipline. You cannot allow a learner to burn a school because he or she has a right to education. Let the chips fall where they may,” Ogamba said.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok supported the warning, saying the ministry will take firm action against offenders.
“We have given firm instructions to county and sub-county directors of education to remain vigilant. If they suspect a school is at risk of unrest, they must intervene quickly by convening meetings with teachers and students to prevent destruction of property,” he said.
Bitok urged parents, teachers, and religious leaders to work together to keep schools calm during this critical term.
“This is a delicate term, and we do not want disruptions. While some disturbances may be linked to stress, all stakeholders must remain watchful,” he said.
The wave of unrest has left parents carrying heavy financial burdens, as many are forced to pay for damages caused by their children.